Al-Ahli Jeddah has refused to replace Al-Hilal in the Saudi Super Cup, scheduled to be held in Hong Kong in mid-August.
According to Al-Riyadh newspaper, Saudi Football Association officials contacted Al-Ahli and offered the club a place in the Saudi Super Cup, which Al-Hilal withdrew from the competition, in accordance with the tournament regulations.
However, the surprise was that Al-Ahli also refused to participate in the Super Cup. This was decided by coach Matthias Jaissle, who believes his team has not yet reached the technical and physical readiness necessary to compete in such a strong competition, in addition to the delay in completing new signings.
In this case, the Saudi Federation will resort to inviting another club, most likely Al-Shabab, given their sixth-place finish in the Saudi League. Al-Riyadh newspaper confirms that Al-Luth officials welcome the club’s participation in the competition.
Al-Hilal withdrew from the Saudi Super Cup due to its participation in the Club World Cup, which resulted in the players taking a break afterward, making it impossible for them to be ready in time for the first tournament of the season.
According to the regulations, Al-Hilal will be banned from participating in the next edition of the Super Cup and will be subject to a heavy fine of up to one million Saudi riyals.
It’s worth noting that Al-Hilal’s replacement, regardless of its name, will face Al-Qadisiyah in the semi-finals on August 19, while Al-Ittihad will play Al-Nassr, with the winners of both matches meeting in the final on August 23.
